Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2013
329. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal regarding an invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33419/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 7 May 2013. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
